Range platform



Sept. 8, 1942. A -BARNSTEINER RANGE PLATFORM Filed Dec. 29, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 WITNESSES:

ATTORN EY Sept. 8, 1942. A. BARNSTEINER RANGE PLATFORM Filed Dec. 29, 195

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 WITNESSES:

' 'ATTO'RNEY S ept. 8, 1942. A. BARNSTEI'NER RANGE PLATFORM Filed Dec. 29, 1939 4 SheetsSheet 4 INVYENTOR j/ vja/rv/zur.

ATTGRNEY swam-8.1942" UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RANGE PLATFORM Alfons Barnsteiner, Mansfield, Ohio, assignor to Westinghouse Electric a Manufacturing Company, lastmfittsburgh. Pa, a corporation of Penna! Application December 29, 19:9, SerialNo. 311,630

QCIaimssymmetrical working surface and so as to please the aesthetic senses. However, this makes it practically impossible to service such ranges unles they are removed from the wall. Electric ranges, being quite heavy and located within such tight quarters, are rather hard to move and, at

times, the surfaces of the range are marred and the range injured as they are moved when it is Fig isaviewsimilartoFig.4.withtheplat-,/

form and backsplasher structure partially removed from the range structure.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, in

which like reference characters indicate like parts in the several flgures, I show an electric range structure ill having a main body portion II, a removable platform and backsplasher struc- 'ture H, a plurality of platform heater switches necessary to service them. In addition, the

linoleum flooring, generally used in a kitchen. quite frequently is cut or permanently marred unless the range be handled with extreme care. In other words, there is a definite need for an easy practical way of servicing ranges without removing them from their fixed position, say, in

the kitchen.

It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide a range structure which may be readily serviced without the need of bodily moving such range from its operating position.

A further object of my invention is to provide a range structure having a removable platform and back-splasher structure which may be readily and easily removed from the main structure to permit the range to be easily serviced.

Another object of my invention is to provide means which are independent of the platform and baek-spla'sher for supporting the surface heating unit and oven heater switches while such platform and backsplasher structure is removed from the range structure.

Other objects of my invention will either be pointed out specifically in the course of the following description of a device embodying my invention, or will be apparent from such description.

In the accompany s drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a range embodying my invention,

Fig. '2 is a view-similar to Fig. 1 with the platform and backsplasher structure partially removed therefr Fig. 3' is a partial perspective view illustrating the range structure with the top platform and 1 Ker structure completely removed therefrom, I V

Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3, and

I6 which are removably attached to the platform and backsplasher structure when such structure is in its operative position and are supported by conductors l8 when such structure is removed from its operating position, and a back cover plate 20 attached to the main body portion [2 of the range structure Ill.

The main body portion l2 of the range structune it is formed in a well-known manner having upstanding front and side walls with suitable oven doors 22 positioned in the front of the range structure. Suitable inwardly extending flanges 24 and 26 are located along the side and front portions,-respectively, of the main body portion l2 to function as strengthening members for such range structure. These flanges 24 and 26 are well known features of the range structures now known to the art. Suitable bolts or headed pins, or the like, 28 are located at the rear portion of the side flanges 24, one on either side of the range structure. The heads of such bolts 28 are positioned somewhat above the surface of the flanges 2i and are adapted to cooperate with the range platform and backsplasher structure H to removably attach such structure to the main body portion, as hereinafter described. In addition, upwardly extending screws 30 may extend through each end of the front flange member 26 to engage and rigidly attach such platform and backsplasher structure to the main body portion, as hereinafter describedI The screws 30 are manually operable from within the range structure when the oven doors 22 are opened.

The platform and backsplasher structure H has a substantially horizontal platform portion 32 and a backsplasher portion 34 and is preferably formed in accordance with the teachings of C. E. Shiplett and E. H. Stall application Serial No. 252,930, filed January 26, 1939, and assigned to the assignee of this invention. The platform splasher 34 extends upwardly substantially normal to the platform portion 32 of structure I4 and has a plurality of apertures 38, 48 and 42 located therein. The apertures 38 located at each end of backsplasher 34 are, in this instance, 5 adapted to cooperate with oven vents 44. The apertures 48 and 42 are adapted to receive the surface heater switches I6 so as to permit such switches to be operated when the platform and backsplasher structure is in its operating posi- 10 tion. It will be noted that the apertures 42 are substantially key-hole shaped, The elongated narrow portions thereof are adapted to cooperate with the surface unit switch assembly so as to support such assembly when the platform and backsplasher unit is in its operative position, as hereinafter described.

Inwardly extending flange portions 46 displaced downwardly from the top surface of platform 32 are formed within the platform and backsplasher structure I4; These inwardly extending flanges 46 are adapted to cooperate with and to rest upon the flanges 24 and 26 of the main body portion I2 of range structure I0 so as to support the platform and backsplasher structure I4 in its predetermined position during the operationof the range. A keyhole shaped aperture 48 is positioned within the rear portion of the flanges 46, one at either side of the structure I4, to cooperate with the upwardly raised heads 30 of bolts 28 attached to the main body portion I2. The large portion of aperture 48 is larger than the heads of bolts 28 to permit such bolts to pass therethrough. The structure may then 'be moved backwards to its operative position, at which time the heads of bolts 28 will be above the narrow portion of aperture 48, so as to prevent the platform structure from being removed.

In addition, small circular apertures 58 are positioned within the front portion of flange 46, one 40 at eitherside of the structure I4 to receive screws 30, whereby such platform and backsplasher structure I4 may be rigidly attached to the main body portion when such structure is in its operative position.

The switches I 6 are positioned somewhat above the main body portion I2 in front of the rear cover plate 20 and are supported in either of two ways; namely, by meansof suitable electrical conductors I8, and by the backsplasher 34, as hereinafter described. The switches I6 have outwardly extending operating shafts 52 which are adapted to cooperate with suitable operating knobs or handles 54 in a well known manner (see Fig. 4) The switches I6, being four in number, 55 in this instance are adapted to selectively connect the surface units 36 to a suitable electrical circuit (not shown) through conductors I8, in a well known manner. The conductors I8 are quite stiff so as to support the switches I6 in an elevated position when the platform and backsplasher structure I4 is removed. Suitable kinks or bends are positioned within the conductors to limit their vertical movement through universal insulators 56 so as to retain the switches in an elevated position (see Figs. 4 and 5).

An elongated plate 58 is positioned in front of the switches I 6 and is attached thereto say, by suitable screws 58 and 68 to retain them in their predetermined relative positions. Screws 68 located at each end of the plate 58 extend out wardly from the surface of such plate so as to fit within the keyhole shaped apertures 42 in the backsplasher portion 84 of platform and backsplasher I4. The screws 68 by cooperating with the backsplasher portion 34 are thus adapted to retain the plate 58 and, therefore, the heater switches I6 attached thereto, when such platform and backsplasher structure I4 is in its operating position.

It therefore follows that the platform heater switches I6 are supported in either of two ways. First, by means of screws 66 resting within the keyhole shaped apertures 42 when the platform and backsplasher structure I4 is in its predetermined operating position upon the range structure. Second, by means of the conductor wires I8, through their cooperation with insulators 53 when the platform structure has been removed for servicing purposes, or the like.

In addition to having the operating shafts 52 of the platform heater control switches I6 extending through the backsplasher portion 34 of platform and backsplasher structure I 4, the operating shafts H for oven control switches 62 likewise extend through suitable apertures 63 in a cover or escutcheon plate 64 of a replica indicating device. Such replica indicating device, the cover plate of which may be disposed over a suitable aperture in the backsplasher, is adapted to indicate the exact heating element which may be attached to an electric power supply, and is more fully described and is claimed in a co pending application of mine, Serial No. 311,629, flied December 29, 1939, and assigned to the assignee of this application.

By having the switch operating shafts 52 and 6| extending through the backsplasher portion 34 of structure I4, it is obvious that by removthe switch operating handles, such as handles 54, see Fig. 4, from such operating shafts, the platform and backsplasher structure I4 may be readily removed from the range structure I2. However, it should be understood that any screws, such as 68, which are directly associated with the structure I4 must be first removed therefrom.

When assembling the range structure I0 embodyingcmy invention, the platform and backsplasher structure I4 is positioned upon the main 45 body portion, with the keyhole shaped apertures 48 in line with the bolts 28. The platform and backsplasher structure I4 is then slid backward, permitting the switch operating shafts 52 and 6I to pass through their corresponding apertures within the backsplasher portion 34 and cover plate 64. The screws 30 are then run upwardy into the apertures 58 within the front portion of the backsplasher structure I4, rigidly attaching such structure to the main body portion. Suitable operating handles such as handles 54, see Fig. 4, are then attached to the operating shafts 52 and 6|. In addition, the oven vents 44 become aligned with and pass through the apertures 38 within the backsplasher 34. The range structure III this; has the general appearance and outward configuration of an ordinary range.

However, such structure, embodying my invention, may be readily serviced when positioned within-a kitchen or restaurant, or the like, by merely removing the operating handles 54, screws 64 and the like, and the screws 38. The platform and backsplasher structure I4 may then be pulled forward so that the large portion of the keyhole shaped apertures 48 are in line with the heads of bolts 28, permittingsuch platform to be lifted therefrom. The platform unit switches I6, oven switches 62, oven vents 44 and suitable wiring thereof are thus exposed permitasoasva the surfaceunits 38 may be left intact upon the platform 32, see Fig. 2. The cables "thereof being relatively short in length thus permit the platform and backsplashe'r structure to be moved only a short distance-substantially one-half the width ofthe range structure. However, if it be desired to completely remove the platform and backsplasher M from the range structure, such surface units may be readily dropped down through the platform '32 upon a crumb tray 39. The method of actuating and operating the surface units 36 is more clearly described and claimed in a copending application of W. J. Russell, Serial No. 300,363, flied October 20, 1939, assigned to the assignee of this application.

It is, therefore, obvious that I have provided a range structure which has a removable platform and backsplasher structure adapted to support the range surface unit switches when in its normal operating position and which may be readily removed from such structure to permit the adequate servicing thereof when necessary. In addition, I have provided an arrangement of switches and conductors therefor which permits such conductors to support the switches l6 when the platform and backsplasher structure II is removed from the range structure.

Various modifications may be made in the device embodying my invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an electric range, a range body, said body 'at its rear end being provided with an upwardly extending portion, said portion having moimted on the front face thereof electrical apparatus including at least one switch, a removable range platform, a back splasher integral with said platform, said backsplasher extending vertically from the rear end of said range platform and. serving, when the range platform is in normalposition, to cover and conceal said electrical apparatus, and disengageable securing means for fastening the range platform to the range body whereby,

when the securing means are disengaged, the

range platform and back splasher may be moved forwardly to expose and afford access to said apparatus for repair thereof.

2. In an electric range, a range body, control apparatus for said range supported above the rear end of said body, a range platform, a vertically-extending back splasher integral with the rear end of said platform, said platform and back splasher being supported on said body with said back splasher disposed in front of and adjacent to said control apparatus to conceal the same, and means for detachably securing said range platform and back splasher to said body, said platform and back splasher being movable, on disengagement of said securing means, in a direction away from the rear end toward the front end of said range body to afford access to said control apparatus.

being supported on said body with said back s lasher disposed in front of and adjacent to said vertically-extending member to conceal the same. and means for detachably securing said range platform and back splasher to said body, said platform and back splasher being movable in a direction away from the rear end of said body to aflord access to said vertically-extending member.

4. In an electric range, a range body, electrical control apparatus for said range supported by said body above the rear end thereof, an integral range platform and back splasher supported on said body with said back splasher disposed in front of and adjacent to said apparatus to conceal the same, and disengageable securing means for detachably securing said range platform and back splasher to said body, said platform and back splasher being movable as a unit, on disengagement of said securing means, in a direction away from said apparatus to afford ac cess to said control apparatus.

5. In an electric range, a range body having a front end and a rear end, electrical control apparatus including at least one switch having a forwardly-extending operating member, said switch and operati me ber bei s pported by said body at the rear end thereof, an integral range platform and back splasher supported on said body with said back splasher disposed adjacent the rear end of said range body and in front of said apparatus to conceal the same. said back splasher having an aperture therein to receive said operating member, and disengageable means for retaining said integral range platform and back splasher against horizontal movement relative to said body, said platform and back splasher being movable, on disengagement of said retaining means, in a direction from the rear end of said range body toward the front .end thereof to afford access to said switch.

6. In an electric range, a range body having a front end and a rear end, electrical control'apparatus for said range supported by said body above the rear end thereof, an integral range platform and back splasher supported on said body with said back splasher located adjacent the rear end of said range body and in front of said apparatus to conceal the same, and disengageahle means for detachably securing said in tegral range platform and back splasher to said body, said integral range platform and back splasher being movable in a direction from the rear end of said range body toward the'front end thereof to afford access to said concealed control apparatus, said disengageable means including a keyhole-slot and pin connection between said range body and said integral range platform and said platform, said platform and back splasher back splasher.

7. In an electric range, a range body, control apparatus, means carried by said body for supporting said control apparatus above the rear end of said body, a range platform, a vertically extending back splasher integral with said platform, said platform and back splasher being supported on said body with said back splasher disposed in front of and adjacent to said control apparatus to conceal the same, a heating unit supported by said platform, means electrically connecting said heating unit with said control apparatus, and means for detachably securing said range platform and back splasher to said body, said platform and back splasher being movable as a unit in a direction away from said control apparatus, on disengagement of said securing means, to afford access to said control apparatus, said electrical connecting means being arranged to permit said heating unit to be moved with said platform.

8. In an electric range, a range body, electrical control apparatus for said range, means carried by said body for supporting said control apparatus above the rear end of said body, an integral range platform and back splasher supported on said body with said back splasher disposed in front of and adjacent to said apparatus to conceal the same, said platform having at least one heating unit carried thereby, means electrically connecting said heating unit with said control apparatus, at least a portion of said last-mentioned means being flexible, and means for detachably securing said range platform and back splasher to said body, said platform and back splasher being movable as a unit in a direction away from said apparatus, on disengagement oi said securing means, to ailord access to said control apparatus, said flexible portion permitting said heating unit to be moved with said platform and back splasher.

9.Anelectric range adaptedtobedisposed with its back against the wall and comprising a range body, a range platform mounted on the top or the body and having a back splasher integral therewith, a control element mounted on the range rearwardiy oi the back splasher and concealed thereby, means for securing the platiorm'and back splasher to the range body. said securing means being releasable at points accessible while the range body remains against the wall, and said platform and back splasher being movable forwardly, upon said securing means, to provide access to said element while the range body remains against the wall.

ALFONS 

